How To Improve Blood Circulation Naturally

Are your hands or fingers blue and/or always cold? Do some parts of your body begin to feel numb or tingle after you sit or stand for prolonged periods? This is exactly what happens when your blood circulation is disrupted. Although the blood flow usually goes back to normal after some movement, it might lead to complications and health issues in a few cases. Hence, it is important to address this issue. In this article, we discuss the causes and natural ways to improve blood circulation. Scroll down.

What Is Poor Blood Circulation?

The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is responsible for the transport of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body. When the blood flow to specific parts of your body is reduced, you start experiencing symptoms of poor blood circulation.

This condition is often a result of various health issues and factors. Some of the common causes are listed below.

What Causes Poor Blood Circulation?

Peripheral Artery Disease: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that causes your arteries and blood vessels to narrow. It can lead to poor blood circulation in your legs.

Blood Clots: Blood clots can block the flow of blood to different parts of your body partially or entirely. Though they can develop anywhere in the body, blood clots that form in the arms and legs can cause poor circulation problems.

Varicose Veins: When your veins become large as a result of valve failure, it results in varicose veins. The damaged veins can’t transport blood as efficiently as the normal ones, thus leading to poor blood circulation.

Diabetes: Diabetes can also cause poor blood circulation in certain areas of your body. This is usually due to diabetic neuropathy.

Obesity: Those who are overweight or obese may also face poor circulation problems on standing or sitting for long hours.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation?

A tingling sensation

Numbness

A throbbing or stinging pain, especially in your limbs

Muscle cramps

If you experience any unusual sensation that points toward poor blood circulation, you can improve your condition using natural ways. We have put together some of the best foods and other natural ways that can help improve blood circulation throughout your body.

Best Foods That Increase Blood Circulation In The Body

1. Blackberries

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You Will Need

1 cup of blackberries

What You Have To Do

Consume a small cup of blackberries daily.

Why This Works

Regular consumption of blackberries is one of the best ways to improve blood circulation. These berries are a rich source of various nutrients that stimulate the formation of new blood cells and purify your blood (1).

Why This Works

3. Garlic

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You Will Need

Minced garlic cloves

What You Have To Do

Add raw minced garlic to your favorite dish and consume daily.

You can also chew on garlic cloves directly.

Why This Works

Garlic contains allicin, which has powerful antioxidant properties that purify your blood and enhance blood supply and circulation. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in your body (3).

5. Ginkgo Biloba

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Add a teaspoon of ginkgo biloba tea to a cup of hot water.

Steep for 5 to 10 minutes and strain.

Add some honey to it and consume immediately.

Why This Works

Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids that render it most of its medicinal properties. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants that protect your body, including your heart and blood vessels, from free radical damage. The terpenoids in ginkgo biloba are responsible for dilating the blood vessels and improving blood circulation (5).

6. Ginger

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Why This Works

Ginger not only treats digestion and nausea but is also a great option for improving blood circulation (6). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger purify your blood and protect your body from free radical damage (7).

What You Have To Do

Why This Works

8. Citrus Fruits

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You Will Need

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits

What You Have To Do

Consume a portion of citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and limes on a daily basis.

Why This Works

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant. They also have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation within the body. A combination of these properties helps in purifying your blood and enhancing circulation (9).

b. Eucalyptus Oil

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Add 12 drops of eucalyptus oil to 30 mL of any carrier oil and mix well.

Gently massage this mixture all over your body.

Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then take a shower.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 to 3 times a week.

Why This Works

Massaging is a great way to stimulate blood flow, and when essential oils are involved, the effects are multiplied. Eucalyptus oil contains eucalyptol that helps in dilating your blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow in your body (19).

2. Massage

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A full body massage using any carrier oil is a great and widely accepted method to increase the circulation of blood throughout your body (20), (21). Improved blood flow also promotes healing and wellness. You may opt for professional or therapeutic massage therapy for added benefits.

3. Exercises And Yoga

Certain exercises and yoga poses can also aid in improving your blood circulation. Given below are a few:

Exercises

a. Walking

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How It Helps

Walking, being a cardiac exercise, can get blood pumping throughout your body.

Duration

20 to 30 minutes

b. Weight Training

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How It Helps

Lifting weights not only helps in building muscles but also boosts blood flow and improves your cardiovascular health.

Repetitions

12 to 15

Yoga

a. Deep Breathing

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How It Helps

As surprising as it sounds, a session of concentrated deep breathing can help increase your blood flow. When you breathe deeply, your muscles are relaxed. This, in turn, helps dilate the blood vessels, which helps improve blood circulation.

Repetitions

10

b. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

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How It Helps

The Mountain Pose improves blood circulation by increasing the elasticity of the blood vessels.

Duration

Hold this pose for 2 to 5 minutes.

c. Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

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How It Helps

The Chair Pose helps to stretch your body and promotes blood flow to all organs.

Duration

Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

d. Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)

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How It Helps

This is one of the best exercises to increase blood circulation as it promotes blood flow to the lower extremities of your body.

5. Avoid Drinking Alcohol

6. Keep Yourself Well Hydrated

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Drink enough water and keep yourself well hydrated to enhance the blood flow throughout your body.

You can easily combat poor blood circulation with the help of the foods and remedies listed in this article. Also, keep in mind that a few healthy lifestyle choices and changes are all it takes to enhance your blood flow and fight any complications. Did this article address all your queries? Let us know via the comments section.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

What happens if you stop the blood circulation in your hand or other body parts?

When you cut off the blood supply to your hands or legs, they will go numb in a few minutes due to the absence of oxygen in the neurons. This will further result in the absence of any sensation, and your hands or legs may also turn blue.

How long does it take to improve blood circulation?

Poor blood circulation may lead to adverse health effects later in life. Hence, it is necessary to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper blood circulation.

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